DeepSummary
Tracy and Holly begin by discussing some behind-the-scenes details about their recent two-part episode on Natalie Clifford Barney. Tracy explains why she felt Barney's life story required two episodes and shares some interesting anecdotes that didn't make it into the episodes, like how Barney's father awkwardly proposed to her mother and a sleepwalking teacher who cut apart one of her sister's hats with scissors.
They discuss how Barney's novel has only recently been published in English in 2016, and how the first historical marker in Ohio related to LGBTQ history was erected in 2009 in Dayton, Barney's birthplace. Tracy reflects on how Barney's wealth insulated her from many real-world events happening around her.
The hosts analyze the complex dynamics of Barney's romantic relationships and her idealized but unrealistic views on love and polyamory. They note her failure to communicate clear boundaries and expectations often led to drama and jealousy, contrary to her beliefs. Despite criticizing some of Barney's problematic views, they appreciate her efforts to create a safe space for LGBTQ individuals.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Natalie Clifford Barney's life story was complex enough to require a two-part episode series.
- Barney's wealth insulated her from many real-world events happening around her.
- Barney's romantic relationships were complicated by a lack of clear communication and boundaries.
- Barney idealized love and polyamory in an unrealistic way that often led to drama.
- Barney made efforts to create a safe space for LGBTQ individuals, though with some limitations.
- The hosts appreciate some aspects of Barney's life while critiquing other problematic views.
- The episode provides compelling behind-the-scenes commentary after the main two-part series.
- Cut anecdotes from Barney's life add interesting color to her story.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Her romantic life is, like, way too complicated for me. I couldn't.“ by Holly Fry
- “I'm boring. I can't imagine wanting to make my life that complicated.“ by Holly Fry
- “Her whole thing about I'm lazy in friendships. If I'm your friend, I'm your friend forever. I'm like, then why do you want to complicate your life in every other possible way?“ by Holly Fry
- “The people I know who have been in polyamorous relationships that have worked have had just so much communication among themselves and so much clear statement of what the boundaries are and what the expectations are, and all of. And like, that really does not seem to be how, for the most part, Natalie Clifford Barney was approaching her life.“ by Tracy V. Wilson
- “Obviously, not everybody could come and just be themselves, because she and some of her friends were really gripy about what Radcliffe hall had on.“ by Tracy V. Wilson
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Episode Information
Stuff You Missed in History Class
iHeartPodcasts
2/16/24
Tracy explains why Natalie Clifford Barney needed two episodes. She also shares some of the stories from Barney's stories that didn't make it into either of the episodes.
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